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South Shore Campground is located next to Lower Bear River Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest the central Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's a prime location for fishing and boating.
Lower Bear Reservoir covers 166 acres and has 2.5 miles of shoreline. Activities include fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing and picnicking. Anglers may catch rainbow, brown and mackinaw trout. A boat ramp is located within a mile of the campground.
The Pardoe Trail can be accessed a short distance past nearby Upper Bear River Reservoir, and borders Mokelumne Wilderness.
Each campsite comes with a picnic table and grill. One campsite is accessible, as is one of the vault toilets. Drinking water is provided.
A general store is about a mile from the campground on the northern part of the reservoir.
The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer forest on a hillside just above the south shore of Lower Bear River Reservoir at an elevation of 5,900 feet. Some campsites offer partial views of the lake through the trees.
A Mediterranean climate extends over most of the forest, with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
* Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity.
* Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person.
* Change Fee: A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes.
* Cancellation Fee: A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refunds for a cancelled reservation.
* Cut-Off Window: The latest date and/or time that you can make an advanced reservation or a change to an existing reservation. Cut-off windows can vary by location, but are typically 4 days before your arrival date. A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (see Late Cancellation below).
* Late Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation too close to the start date, additional service fees may be withheld.
From Pioneer, CA, take State Route 88 east 21.9 miles to Bear River Lake Resort sign. Turn left at the sign and go 3.4 miles to campground on right side of the road.
Camping on the mountain. Unleashed
Dogs in the camp ground were annoying. Come on dog owners
Be responsible! Large groups of family's having fun ....pretty quiet after 10. No bears.No masks.people were not social distancing.
Love this place Cold nice water to swim and fish for . You can Camp anywhere you find the place make sure to take everything with you u need as a camper lol .
It's free of charge location there is paid camp grounds too with facilities.
Free campsite make sure to take propane tank and stove because you can't burn charcoal or woods on unpaid campsite.
We camped here on/around the 4th of July with no reservations and had a blast. Super friendly staff with plenty of firewood to keep the fires burning all week. Very limited lake access because of the rocky shoreline, pretty much only accessible for fishing and boating. There were ATVs and dirt bikes zooming around the whole time we were there, so there must be lots of fun trails to ride on.
First one should know what is behind the name Bear Valley, do your research so you are fully prepared. If you’re looking for an adventurous pick; go in the middle of week and during off-season for an authentic visit. You’ll have almost the whole place to yourselves.
During the day you can fully enjoy the outdoors with mtn bike riding, hiking, or even water-play (swim, kayak, or boating).
Special Note:
One must be FULLY PREPARED 4 Dry Camping @ this AMAZING PLACE if you’re planning to stay 2+ days.Otherwise please prepare to purchase your portable solar shower 1.5-months in advance.
If you want company for any meal of the day; your meat-eating bees will definitely keep you company. One could be smart and have all your meals inside your tent. By nightfall, the bees will disappear instantly, then your 4-legged crawlers including an occasional large furry critter will definitely entertain you walking leisurely around your campsite because it’s actually their HOME.
One could be sure to setup bells around the perimeter of your sleeping space to deter unwanted guests if you plan wisely.
Be sure to not leave anything outside your tent including cat litter or an empty unsweetened tea cup because this place is TRULY MAGICAL.
My first time at South Shore and what a great experience! Would highly recommend. Great camp hosts, Kelly & Tom, thank you for everything! I appreciate that you went above and beyond for me and Brianna. Hope to see you guys again this summer!
